Casablanca – The chief prosecutor of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, José Luis Sanchez-Jauregui, has said criminal proceedings against FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono are highly unlikely after the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who suffered a severe collision during a Spanish second-division match.

Speaking to Spanish news agency EFE on Tuesday, Sanchez-Jauregui explained that the incident occurred during active play, a distinction that could significantly affect whether the goalkeeper faces criminal liability.

De Miguel, 30, died on Tuesday morning at the Hospital Universitario Nuestra Senora de Candelaria, hours after suffering a serious chest injury during Monday’s match between Tenerife and Andorra. 

Why criminal proceedings are considered unlikely

According to EFE, Sanchez-Jauregui considers it “very difficult” for a criminal case to proceed because the collision occurred while both players were contesting the ball.

The prosecutor referred to longstanding Spanish Supreme Court principles concerning injuries sustained during sporting competitions.

He explained that such incidents are generally treated differently from deliberate assaults, particularly when the contact takes place during normal play rather than during a stoppage.

However, he stressed that the circumstances of the challenge must still be examined. 

The prosecutor said the referee’s report and the assessment of the Spanish Football Federation disciplinary authorities would help establish whether the goalkeeper’s actions constituted dangerous play and whether there was any intention to cause harm.

Goalkeeper could face up to 12-match suspension

While criminal prosecution appears unlikely, Owono could still face disciplinary punishment.

According to a separate EFE report, the goalkeeper risks a suspension of between four and twelve matches under Article 102 of the Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary code.

The provision concerns violent conduct during play that results in serious injury, provided the incident does not constitute a more serious offence.

The match, which was tied 2-2, was suspended after medical personnel attended to De Miguel on the pitch. The referee later confirmed that both teams had agreed not to continue because of the seriousness of the incident.

Police investigation remains ongoing

Spanish police have opened an investigation into De Miguel’s death, a standard procedure in cases of non-natural death that does not automatically establish criminal responsibility.

Sanchez-Jauregui said the player’s family could file a complaint, although he considers criminal prosecution unlikely. The football federation’s disciplinary assessment remains pending.

De Miguel’s death has prompted condolences across Spanish football, while the Spanish Football Federation has postponed several domestic cup fixtures and UEFA has announced a minute of silence at European club matches.